City Hall, Monroe, Louisiana
February 8, 2022
6:00p.m.
There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held this date at the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building, Monroe, Louisiana.
The Honorable Carday Marshall, Sr., Chairman, called the meeting to order. He then asked the clerk to call the roll.
There were present: Council members Harvey, Woods & Marshall.
There was absent: Ezernack & Dawson.
Chairman Marshall announced that a quorum was present, and that the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance would be led by Councilwoman Woods or her designee.
Mr. John Russell, Senior Pastor of New Antioch Baptist Church, led the Invocation.
COMMUNICATIONS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Harvey had none.
Ms. Woods thanked everyone for coming and noted that for those out there listening in media land thank you all for tuning in. Ms. Woods noted to all of her constituents who have been reaching out to ask if she is good and she is good and has not been sick. She said they told her they did not see her in DC, and she wanted to reassure them that she was in DC. They were broken up into two groups and she was in group (b) and unfortunately group (b) was not pictured.
Mr. Harvey added that he can vouch for her because he was in group (b).
Ms. Woods noted that Mr. Harvey was there too, and he was not pictured either. But she wants to let everyone know that it was a great meeting in Washington DC, and they had a lot of good conversations with the Congressional Delegation. The Administration did a good job in putting that together and she thanked the Mayor. They had a lot of new folks with them this time, but she thinks at the end of the day it was a learning experience for all and it turned out well.
Ms. Woods further noted that she and the Mayor had a conversation and for those who are asking when will the bridge get started. She noted that the Mayor said it’s coming, and we have had a lot of inclement weather and due to that they didn’t want to get started, but it is due to get started next month in March and they are really excited about that.
Ms. Wood also noted that she would like to thank Doug Seegers and Onie for a really good cleanup this past weekend and the Sherouse and Elm Street area. She would really like to thank Dr. Misty Barrell who is over Trios at ULM, which is a part of the school that help first time college students. They came out in record numbers to help clean up on Saturday.
Finally, she would like to say that there will be a COVID Vaccination site at the Powell Street Rec. on Saturday from 10am until 2pm and for families who have not had a chance for whatever the reason is to get vaccinated now is your time. You can get your booster, be first time recipients it doesn’t matter and if you are first time they have a $100 gift-card, no questions asked for first time taking the shot. They have the vaccines for 5 years and over, so for each of the children they will get a $100 gift-card. Ms. Wood said let’s please take advantage of this benefit and come out on Saturday to Powell Street Community Center from 10am until 2pm.
Chairman Marshall asked if there were anyone present representing the Kitchen Restaurant. The Mayor had a presentation but there was no one representing the restaurant at the meeting yet.
Mayor Ellis echoed what Councilwoman Woods said that it was a great trip in DC, and they got their priority in front of the Federal Delegation to be able to let them know what the priorities are in Monroe. He wanted to thank the council members for being able to go, it was a large group and they had to split them into two groups, and they did a wonderful job. They expressed the felt needs in our community and talked to them about what the infrastructure needs are here and how it aligns with the new federal funding. The Mayor wanted to thank the Chamber, businesses, and industry and again the council for all their support on this. The one thing they left with was the fact that they are one unit as a City of Monroe, as a City Council when it comes around these infrastructure projects and getting these funding for much felt needed projects in the City of Monroe. Again, he thanked the Council and all who were involved for a very productive trip and for a very positive outcome.
Chairman Marshall also piggybacked off of what Councilwoman Woods said and the Mayor. He said the trip was a success, and everyone showed up very uniformed, sharing ideas and strategies to make Monroe better. He further noted to give credit where it’s due and considering the short period of time that they had in those meetings, the Mayor was on his “A” game. The Mayor only had 15 minutes to stress the needs of the City and it takes doing some homework, some finesse and he showed up and showed out. So, he definitely wanted to thank the Mayor for taking out the time and making sure that everything was on point, having the staff on point and even including the Council in that endeavor. He noted that every meeting they were in was very successful and he thinks that Councilwoman Woods and Councilman Harvey can echo that as well. Mr. Marshall thanked the staff and administration for their hard work behind the scenes as well. He further noted that he believes the trip was a homerun and he think they are going to see a lot of stuff coming down from Federal and State in the future.
Mr. Marshall added that the Krewe of De Riviere will be hosting their first Children/Pet Parade in South Monroe between South Grand and Lee Avenue areas starting from the old Holsum Building. There will be face painting, food, and fun for the kid as well as some special guests. The second parade will be that evening at 5pm from West Monroe to downtown Monroe. He thanked them for taking over that building and giving back into the community by helping kids and bringing excitement.
Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods the minutes of the Legal and Regular Session of January 24, 2022 were unanimously approved. (There were no public comments.)
The following Condemnations were considered:
1. 3706 Pippin Street (D3) (Owner – Lillie Mae Hampton) “Notice to Show Cause” was served to the owner. There was no one present. Photographic evidence was presented. Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, the building was condemned, and the property owner given 30 days or until March 10, 2022, in which to bring the structures into compliance with the code or to demolish the structure and clean the lot. (There were no public comments.)
Mr. Tommy James, Code Enforcement Officer, came forward and noted that this property is in Councilwoman Woods district, and it was in Environmental Court in October, and it is in the same condition today. The structure is dilapidated and there is a hole in the roof, and he is asking that this property be condemned.
Ms. Woods noted that she and Mr. James spoke a brief minute on this and she went by to take a look. She noted that it is kind of deceiving now that she is looking at the pictures. She didn’t get a chance to look all around the house, but having seen this she made a motion to condemn the property giving the owner 30 days to do whatever they can or will do to it.
2. 3813 Harvester Drive (D3) (Owners – Wilhelm & Melanie F Rawls) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved, this item was removed from the agenda due to the owner has met compliance with the Code. (There were no public comments.)
Department of Administration:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to consider an Application by Raymond Glen Lewellyan, Joe Holyfield, Lisa Holyfield dba Delta Biscuit Company, 2252 Tower Dr., Monroe, LA 71201 for a Renewal 2022 Class A Alcoholic Beverage Permit. The Monroe Police Department has no disqualifying records and Sales Tax has been approved. (Distance Report Cleared) Cert. of Occupy Cleared. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8173 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Chlorine One-ton Cylinder if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be Water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(c) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt a resolution authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Chlorine 150 lbs. Cylinder if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(d) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8174 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Chlorine Granular if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(e) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8176 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Citric Acid if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(f) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8177 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Caustic Soda Liquid if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(g) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8178 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Aluminum Sulfate Liquid if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(h) Upon motion of Ms. Woods, seconded by Mr. Harvey and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8179 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Anhydrous Ammonia if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. the source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(i) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8180 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Ammonium Sulfate Liquid if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(j) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8181 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Potassium Permanganate if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(k) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8182 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Water Treatment Chemical Zinc Orthophosphate if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be water Capital Funds. (There were no public comments.)
(l) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8183 authorizing an authorized city representative to advertise for bids for a one-year contract with the option to renew two (2) times for Asphalt if terms and prices remain the same and not to exceed a total of three years. The source of funds will be Capital Infrastructure Funds. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods inquired about whether we were putting the bids out there for asphalt so whenever it is needed it would be available.
Mrs. Angie Sturdivant, City Attorney, said yes.
Department of Public Works:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8184 authorizing a designated city representative to execute a Professional Services Agreement with LJA Engineering Inc. relating to Storm Water Management Program Implementation Services and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Police Department:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8185 authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to sign and accept the 2020 VOCA Grant (Victims Of Crime Act) and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Ms. Woods wanted to know for the sake of those listening at home what’s going on with this?
Mrs. Sturdivant, city attorney, explained that where there are cases of domestic abuse or sexual abuse victim is determined to be at risk of a repeat offense due to the nature of the suspect. The Domestic Abuse Detective is notified of the imminent need for the alarm hardware to be installed at the victim’s residence. Patrol and dispatch will be instantly notified by a silent alarm notification of the victim’s residence in need of immediate police response. They no longer will have to call the police department requesting help. It will be provided to them at the push of a button.
Ms. Wood noted that she thinks this is a great thing and thank you.
Engineering Services:
(a) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to Adopt a Resolution No. 8186 authorizing an authorized city representative, to execute Change Order No. Two (2) to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo Parking Lot Improvements Contract, between the City of Monroe and Amethyst Construction, Inc., for an increase in contract time of 25 days to account for weather and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
(b) Upon motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Ms. Woods and unanimously approved to remove a Resolution authorizing an authorized city representative, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement with Manchac Consulting Group, to provide services not to exceed $29,000.00 for the Water Pollution Control Center and further providing with respect thereto. (There were no public comments.)
Mrs. Woods wanted to know why this item was being removed.
Mrs. Sturdivant, City Attorney, explained that they requested it and that it was placed on in error.
Request:
Before citizen participation there was a request from the Mayor to present a Letter of Commendation to Mary Traylor and Family.
The Mayor presented a Letter of Commendation to celebrate the success as a City of Monroe small business to, “The Kitchen”, serving delicious home cooked meals for over thirty-seven years.
The Mayor thanked Mary Traylor and Family for what their business has meant, not only to the community, but to families here in Monroe. On behalf of the Monroe City Council and the Citizens of Monroe, it is an honor and privilege to issue this Letter of Commendation. As Mayor of Monroe, he personally thanked them for being a shining example in our business community for over 37 years and wished them continued happiness and success.
The Chairman moved back to the regular order of the agenda that being as follows:
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION:
Mr. Roy Heatherly, Chamber of Commerce President, came forward and apologized that he was not on the DC trip with everybody, he was in Covid exposure quarantine. He did text and call many times during the day, and he just wanted to thank the Council and the Mayor for lobbying for the City. All the feedback he got from the legislative offices, from the Picard Group, from the chamber repres., that went was as Councilman Marshall said was a homerun and that this City presented itself. The most important part was that you all were unified in the message and the strong delegation that went up there sent a message to this State and to this Country that we are Monroe. Mr. Heatherly just wanted to say from the business community and the chamber how much they appreciate all that you did, thank you for going up there and thank you for what you do. The City is very blessed to have your representation.
Tommy Stewart, business owner, came forward to ask for help with crowd control downtown at his businesses and others and what he can do legally on this matter.
Mrs. Sturdivant, City Attorney, noted that she spoke with Chief Zordan this evening on this issue, and he asked me if we could do variants. We spoke about it, and she has to do some research on the ordinances because of right of way issues etc., so he did reach out and she told him that they would circle back tomorrow to look into more detail, and they would be in touch with Mr. Stewart.
Mr. Stewart noted that he appreciated that about you guys that you are on it, and he came because going into the weekend he doesn’t know what to expect. He doesn’t have enough staff to spread them out around all three businesses and to wand everybody down. He noted that they have collected weapons and they don’t won’t that kind of person in their business. As he stated he is open to any ideas that they may have, and he just want to keep it safe downtown.
Ms. Woods thanked Mr. Stewart for his business downtown because it is really growing. She then inquired about the foot traffic increase and its control.
Mr. Stewart noted that when the pool hall moved in foot traffic increased but it finally got under control.
Mr. Harvey asked Mrs. Sturdivant that this crowd control is what she and Chief Zordan is going to working on.
Mrs. Sturdivant said yes.
Mr. Stewart noted that Chief Zordan has been great with trying to help them figure out what’s going to work.
Mayor Ellis noted that Mr. Stewart and the Pool Hall owner have been proactive about crowd control and that is what he is here tonight about and how to maintain it. The Mayor noted that he appreciated him being able to work with the police chief to do that.
Ms. Woods asked if the Pool Hall still has a lot of traffic coming through there and do, they have a better grasp on it now?
Mr. Stewart said yes, and they work together on this.
Ms. Woods noted that she trusts Mrs. Sturdivant and Chief Zordan to take care of this.
Mrs. Sturdivant said they will be in touch this week with Mr. Stewart.
Ms. Kenya Roberson, Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, came forward to make two announcements that she wanted her mayor and council aware of that the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce on Thursday is having a Press Conference/Mixer and that they should have received invites from the Washington Plaza where their office is. After that there will be a Mixer/Reception and they will be honored to see their council persons there if you can and that is at their office on Washington Plaza, Suite 22 as well. The other announcement is they have the Black History Parade coming up for Black History Month on February 26. Ms. Roberson is an officer on the Renaissance Committee, and they would love to see their council person. The Mayor’s office has reached out to get their application to be a part of the parade. We are excited about it, and we plan for this to be one of our biggest years in terms of participation, so we just wanted to make you all aware of those things we have upcoming. The parade will start at 10am.
There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40p.m., upon motion of Ms. Woods and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey.
Carday Marshall, Sr.
Chairman
Carolus S. Riley
Council Clerk
For extended details on the council meeting please call the Council Clerk Monday-Friday at 318¬-329-2252 to schedule an appointment to listen to the minute recording.
XII: ADJOURN.
